FUTA Appoints Professor Gabriel Iwasokun as Pioneer Director of Robotics and AI Centre

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has appointed Professor Gabriel Iwasokun of the Department of Computer Science as the pioneer Director of its newly established Centre of Excellence in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.

The appointment is for a two-year term, effective October 1, 2026.

In his new role, Professor Iwasokun is expected to develop and implement strategic plans, annual work plans and programmes to advance research, training, innovation and development in robotics and artificial intelligence within the university. He will also provide an institutional framework for coordinating activities and initiatives in these emerging technological fields.

Professor Iwasokun obtained his first and higher degrees from FUTA and was appointed Lecturer II in March 2010. He rose through the academic ranks to become a professor in October 2022.

Between 2014 and 2018, he served as coordinator of lecture and examination timetables in the Department of Computer Science. He also coordinated the department’s Postgraduate Diploma programme from 2015 to 2017.

Following the establishment of the School of Computing, he was redeployed to the Department of Software Engineering, where he served as the pioneer Head of Department from 2017 to 2019. He held the same position again from 2022 to 2024.

Professor Iwasokun is actively involved in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students. His research focuses on applying biometric signal processing, machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to develop technologies and innovations across multiple domains, with the aim of improving human and systems security, operations and productivity.

He has received several research grants from organisations including the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Nigerian National Research Fund (NRF) and the National Research Fund of South Africa (NRF-SA).

The professor has authored 120 publications and presented research findings at conferences across the globe. He has also served as an external examiner for higher institutions across various states in Nigeria and belongs to several professional bodies.

The Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, congratulated Professor Iwasokun on the appointment and urged him to deploy his wealth of experience towards the successful discharge of his responsibilities in the new role.